Gun rights activist Siri Davidson, center, has her AR15 slung on her back, as she walks with her children Keaton, 2, and Porter, 5, during a march for the 2nd Amendment rights Saturday, March 2, 2013, in Salt Lake City.

Gun rights activist Siri Davidson, center, has her AR15 slung on...

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Gun owners and supporters display placards as they march toward the Statehouse, in Boston, Wednesday, April 3, 2013. The demonstration and rally, organized by the Gun Owners Action League, was held to call attention to Second Amendment rights as gun control advocates push for tougher laws in Massachusetts in the wake of the deadly shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn.

Gun owners and supporters display placards as they march toward the...

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Members of CODEPINK and other women's group pause at stoplight as they march down Capitol Mall to the offices of the National Rifle Association in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, May 10, 2013. The pre-Mothers Day demonstration was held to protest the NRA's opposition to gun control measures.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, STF

Members of CODEPINK and other women's group pause at stoplight as...

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Hundreds attend a Guns Across America pro-Second Amendment rally at the state Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Saturday Jan. 19, 2013.

People walk from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, during a march on Washington for gun control. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Photo: Susan Walsh, STF

People walk from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument in...

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Maryland sheriffs speak as they and other Second Amendment supporters rally against stricter gun control laws at the Maryland State House on March 5, 2013 in Annapolis, Maryland.

Maryland sheriffs speak as they and other Second Amendment...

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A homemade 12-foot-by-20-foot "Come and Take It" flag at the Second Amendment rally at the Texas Capitol Jan. 19, 2013. (Photo by Kolten Parker)

A homemade 12-foot-by-20-foot "Come and Take It" flag at the Second...

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Tea bags hang from the hat of Steve Wandtke during a Guns Across America rally at the state capitol, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in Austin. Texas officials opposed to new federal gun control proposals plan to speak on the steps of the state Capitol during a pro-Second Amendment rally. The event is one of many rallies planned across the country Saturday. They come four days after President Barack Obama unveiled a sweeping plan to curb gun violence.

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

Tea bags hang from the hat of Steve Wandtke during a Guns Across...

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Austin Ehlinger helps hold a banner during a Guns Across America rally at the state capitol, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in Austin, Texas. Texas officials opposed to new federal gun control proposals plan to speak on the steps of the state Capitol during a pro-Second Amendment rally. The event is one of many rallies planned across the country Saturday. They come four days after President Barack Obama unveiled a sweeping plan to curb gun violence.

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

Austin Ehlinger helps hold a banner during a Guns Across America...

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Hundreds attend the Guns Across America pro-Second Amendment rally at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, Saturday, January 19, 2013.

Photo: Jay Janner, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Hundreds attend the Guns Across America pro-Second Amendment rally...

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Diana Sanchez, right, holds a sign with photos of her son, Juan Sanchez, who was shot and killed in 2009, during a protest against the National Rifle Association in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, May 10, 2013. In a pre-Mothers Day demonstration, members of CODEPINK and other women's groups marched from the Capitol to offices of the NRA to protest their opposition to gun control measures.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, STF

Diana Sanchez, right, holds a sign with photos of her son, Juan...

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Supporters for gun control rally outside the National Shooting Sports Foundation headquarters in Newtown, Conn., Thursday, March 28, 2013.

Supporters for gun control rally outside the National Shooting...

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A display of crafted rifles is seen, during day 1 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Friday, May 3, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

An expo attendee inspects a pistol, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

11-year-old Ryan Weaver inspects a rifle, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

11-year-old Ryan Weaver inspects a rifle, during day 2 of the 142nd...

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A father and son browse pistols, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

A couple looks at a display of rifles, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

10-year-old Bryce Danforth of St. Augustine, Florida inspects a rifle while his grandfather watches closely, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

An expo attendee inspects a Glock pistol, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

An expo attendee inspects a Glock pistol, during day 2 of the 142nd...

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A display of vintage pistols is seen, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

A display of vintage pistols is seen, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA...

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13-year-old Jacob La looks down the sight of a mounted machine gun, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

13-year-old Jacob La looks down the sight of a mounted machine gun,...

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Brothers, 10-year-old Kayden La, middle, and 13-year-old Jacob La, left, inspect pistols at a booth, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 03: Attendees look at a display of tactical shotguns during the 2013 NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center on May 3, 2013 in Houston, Texas. More than 70,000 peope are expected to attend the NRA's 3-day annual meeting that features nearly 550 exhibitors, gun trade show and a political rally. The Show runs from May 3-5. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Photo: Getty Images

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 03: Attendees look at a display of tactical...

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Attendees hold assault rifles as they pose for a photo during the 2013 NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center on May 4, 2013 in Houston, Texas. More than 70,000 people are expected to attend the NRA's 3-day annual meeting that features nearly 550 exhibitors, gun trade show and a political rally. The Show runs from May 3-5. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***

Photo: Getty Images

Attendees hold assault rifles as they pose for a photo during the...

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New NRA members Joey Sullivan, of Montgomery, left, and Tim Armand of Houston, right, look at firearms in the exhibit hall at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston.
The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will features training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

New NRA members Joey Sullivan, of Montgomery, left, and Tim Armand...

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James Beaver, 13, of Denison, holds an HK 416 D at the NRA Whittington Center Outdoor Adventure exhibit booth at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston.
The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will features training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

James Beaver, 13, of Denison, holds an HK 416 D at the NRA...

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The National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits logo is placed on the George R. Brown Convention Center by Lynn Creel, left, and Don Reynolds with Display Graphics Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Houston.
The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will features training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

The National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits...

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Exhibitors began setting up in preparation for the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Houston.
The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will features training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Exhibitors began setting up in preparation for the National Rifle...

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NRA members listen to speakers during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston.
The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will features training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

NRA members listen to speakers during the NRA Annual Meeting of...

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NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre is introduced during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston.
The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will features training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

A Houston Police officer stops people from attempting to look behind curtain as they try to photograph Glenn Beck during his book signing event during the NRA convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

A Houston Police officer stops people from attempting to look...

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From right, Heath Bryant, of Cypress, and his family Fisher, 6, Tate, 5, and wife Rebecca, walk through the exhibit hall during NRA Youth Day events at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Houston.
More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

From right, Heath Bryant, of Cypress, and his family Fisher, 6,...

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Mason Short, 10, glances up at his father, Le (CQ), from Kountze, as he got a closer look at a shotgun at the Mossberg booth during NRA Youth Day events at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Houston.
More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Mason Short, 10, glances up at his father, Le (CQ), from Kountze,...

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A young man who chose not to give his name sizes-up an assault style rifle during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Photo: Associated Press

A young man who chose not to give his name sizes-up an assault...

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7-year-old Sydney Morgan inspects a Sig Sauer pistol, during day 1 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Friday, May 3, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

14-year-old Caleb Lofton, middle poses with a rifle while his father, James, right, takes a photo, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

14-year-old Caleb Lofton, middle poses with a rifle while his father, James, right, takes a photo, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

Grant Siebrecht of Needville inspects a rifle, during day 2 of the 142nd NRA annual meetings and exhibits, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the George R Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. (TODD SPOTH FOR THE CHRONICLE)

Much to her surprise, a Texas law professor's statement that it's time to consider replacing the Second Amendment has unleashed a storm of controversy.

Mary Margaret "Meg" Penrose, a professor at the new Texas A&M University School of Law in Fort Worth, spoke Friday at the University of Connecticut School of Law's symposium titled "Up in Arms: The Second Amendment in the Modern Republic."

Penrose, whose areas of concentration include constitutional law, said she supports a states'-rights approach to the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

States, not the federal government, should be able to decide who has guns and how those weapons should be used, she said.

"Not one place did I suggest there should be a gun ban," Penrose said Monday by phone.

Her viewpoint has been mischaracterized as antigun, she said.

"I want to be absolutely clear that I am not antigun or antimilitary," she said.

Oddly, Penrose said, the vehement backlash to her speech has turned her argument upside down.

"The majority of (comments) I have seen mistakenly assumes that if you support a states'-rights approach, that makes you liberal," she said.

"In fact, it means that federal government programs like Obamacare are not ideal," she said. "The issue of abortion being determined at the national level is the opposite of a states'-rights viewpoint."

Penrose said her argument is broader than gun control.

"Isn't it time for us as a country to rethink an 18th Century Constitution, one that says in the Third Amendment that no state shall require any individual to quarter soldiers in their home?" she said. "That certainly is not a modern concern."

As it stands now, the U.S. Constitution gives the federal government the power to regulate guns.

"My proposal says that Texas is in the best position to decide for Texans what gun rights should be, presupposing that guns are a right," she said. "Whether you can take an automatic weapon hunting or not is (a decision) better made at the state level than by the (U.S.) Supreme Court justices."

When she gave the speech, Penrose said, it was well received at the symposium, where speakers included a panel of other lawyers and a panel of physicians.

But because the misinterpretation of her remarks has been widely spread through social media and other electronic means, Penrose said she has received a great deal of negative comment.

"I've learned two things in this process: I continue to support the right to send ugly emails, and social media's limit of 140 characters is stunting our ability to discuss with meaning these really important modern issues," she said.